This was the scene in the skies over West Union on Tuesday, April 2 as strong storms and a confirmed tornado ravaged the county. (Photo provided)
West Union area sees the most damage
By Mark Carpenter
People’s Defender
Emergency personnel, electric companies and residents of Adams County were immediately on call, cleaning up from a Tuesday, April 2 tornado that left a path of damage throughout the county. Most of the damage was in and around the West Union area, where a confirmed EF1 tornado touched down and the Cincinnati news stations set up in the county for the second time in less than a week.
Forecasts of possible dangerous weather conditions began early and on Tuesday night, those forecasts came to fruition as strong storms rolled across the Ohio River from Kentucky, through Brown County, then zeroed in on Adams County shortly after 7 p.m. It was one of those evenings where people hunkered down in their safe places, listening closely to their phones or televisions, following the path of the storms and praying for safety. Though the damage was extensive, as of press time there had been no reports of serious injuries.
As far as the damage, the area around 125 and Panhandle was hit hard, with numerous power lines downed and roads filled with debris, while the historic Kirker Covered Bridge on 136 suffered extensive damage. The tornado also reeked havoc along Old Cincinnati Pike, striking the West Union Rec Park. The National Weather Service confirmed a touch down at the intersection of Brier Bridge and Robinson Hollow Roads.
The Defender received many reports about the events, including this scary description from James Hymer. “I live on Old Cincinnati Pike,” said Hymer. “The tornado came right between my house and my neighbor’s house. Spun the tops out of the pine trees and spun the telephone pole over my neighbor’s yard at the end of the road. Thank God we’re safe.”
The Defender also go this report from Rita Kernodle. “The tornado hit our yard on Chapparal Road in West Union. It took out our RV, barn and left a tree on my car. Also, a vacant mobile home on our property.”
Many roadways in the county were impassable, a combination of downed trees, fallen debris, flooding and darkness that came with the loss of power. As is usually the case, curious onlookers began to fill the roads, so many that Deputy Bob Ruebusch used the Defender social media to urge people to stay home for the safety of themselves and the clean-up crews.
With the storm approaching and ominous forecasts, the Adams County and Manchester school districts released early on Tuesday to ensure the safety of their students and were closed the next day as the clean-up continued.
